Characteristic analysis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified by oleic acid and undecylenic acid

Carbonization of magnetic polymer microspheres is one of the methods for the preparation of magnetic carbon materials. Fe₃O₄ magnetic particle characteristics considerably influence the magnetic content and size distribution of magnetic polymer microspheres. The characteristics of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles modified by oleic acid (OA) and undecylenic acid (UA) were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic laser light scattering, thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry, vibrating sample magnetometer, and water contact angle. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles modified by OA and UA are nearly spherical and exhibit superparamagnetism. Fe₃O₄ particle size and saturation magnetization are slightly influenced by the OA and UA composition. OA and UA both are chemically adsorbed onto Fe₃O₄ as bidentate chelates. OA shows easier adsorption onto Fe₃O₄ than UA. OA groups have an expanded arrangement on OA@Fe₃O₄, whereas UA groups have a condensed arrangement on UA@Fe₃O₄. Particle lipophilicity decreases and particle clustering increases with decreasing OA content and increasing UA content on OA-UA@Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles.